J&K govt discusses modalities to place Srinagar in 'Smart

Jammu and Kashmir government has finalised modalities with different stakeholders to secure place for Srinagar city in the final list of 'Smart Cities' that will be announced by the Centre in January next year.
A high-level meeting was convened here yesterday under the chairmanship of Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Hridesh Kumar to discuss the modalities.
During the meeting, Kumar urged officers of various departments to synchronise their efforts for ensuring that the summer capital of the state makes it to the final list of Smart Cities.
A presentation was made at the meeting by the consultant - Voyants Partnering Vision (VPV) - engaged by Srinagar Municipal Corporation to prepare the detailed project report for Srinagar city.

The firm has successfully helped the Nagaland government in securing a place for Kohima in the recently-announced Smart Cities list, an official spokesman said.
In their detailed presentation, the VPV consultants said a Smart City envisions wide spectrum development of urban components that provide residents smart solutions to make infrastructure and services better, and also enhance the quality of life, the spokesman said.

Describing the strategic components of Smart Cities, they said a combination of retrofit and redevelopment, which include innovative planning, optimum use of resources and provisions of affordable housing would be included in the draft proposal.
Regarding the initial plan for preparing the DPR, a four-pronged action plan has been prepared to provide data sharing in a time-bound manner, suggestions for Smart City proposal, convergence of funds towards Smart City proposal, MoUs and resolutions for Smart City.

Kumar directed the officers of various departments to identify a nodal officer who will coordinate with the consulting firm for ensuring timely submission of data about Srinagar city which will be used to draw up proposal for development of Srinagar as Smart City.
Kumar said a similar exercise will be carried out in Jammu city so that both the twin capitals of Jammu and Kashmir make it to the final list of Smart Cities.
In order to expedite the process, the District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Lone, said he will chair meetings with various departments and set up nodal officers.

Kumar asked the consulting agency to prepare the draft proposal by the end of November 2016 while as the final draft would be submitted to the Centre in January 2017.
He also stressed various departments to provide necessary assistance to Voyants Partnering Vision in preparing the draft and at the same time provide inputs, data and suggestions to the consulting agency.